• Google pledges £5 billion investment in UK AI sector.
• Investment aims to create 8,250 jobs annually.
• New data center in Waltham Cross to meet AI service demand.
• Partnership with Shell to support UK's energy transition.
• Investment coincides with Trump's state visit focused on economic ties.

Google has announced a substantial £5 billion ($6.8 billion) investment in the UK's artificial intelligence (AI) sector over the next two years, just ahead of US President Donald Trump's official visit. This investment is aimed at enhancing capital expenditure, research and development, and includes support for Google DeepMind's pioneering AI research focused on science and healthcare, according to BBC and Reuters.

The funding aims to create approximately 8,250 annual jobs at British businesses, which is viewed as a crucial boost for the UK economy while Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government seeks to draw in private investment to stimulate growth. Google’s investment will be complemented by the opening of a new data center in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, designed to meet the rising demand for AI-powered services, reports Dawn and AA.

This latest investment is also indicative of strengthening ties between the UK and the US, as the ongoing collaboration aims for mutual economic benefits. Senior US officials have indicated that economic deals worth over $10 billion will be announced during Trump's visit, enhancing bilateral relations in various sectors, as mentioned by TRT Global and Reuters.

In terms of sustainability, Google has partnered with Shell to achieve a goal of operating nearly entirely on carbon-free energy by 2026, making its operations more environmentally friendly. The new data center will utilize air-cooling technology and aims to minimize water usage while also rerouting excess heat to local homes, according to reports by BBC and AA.